Japanese brand gives its workhorse ute a few mild updates.

STARTING PRICE

$41,490

BASIC SPEC

Updated Toyota HiLux revealed

The Japanese brand is readying its best-selling ute for another assualt with a series of 2018 model year updates, including the introduction of several new model grades.

Toyota has also ditched the V6 petrol engine from the lineup after slow sales that accounted for less than half a per cent of overall sales. The 2.7-litre petrol four-cylinder and 2.4- and 2.8-litre turbo diesel engines remain.

Toyota has made the move to introduce more automatic variants - now 17, up from 12 - as buyers shift away from manuals in the commercial space, with auto HiLux variants outselling manuals for the first time last year.

2018 Toyota HiLux. Photo: Supplied

Overall, the range stays at 31 distinct models, with all 4x2 and 4x4 single and extra cab cab-chassis models (23 variants in total) able to carry a one-tonne payload.

Toyota has also added an optional satellite navigation and alloy wheel package for SR models for $2000, allowing access to the in-demand accessories without the need to step up to the top-line SR5 range. The SR5 continues to offer optional leather trim with a powered driver's seat, also for $2000.

All SR models now adopt durable PVC flooring, and pricing for SR double cab models rises by $70 thanks to the addition of downhill assist control and black door handles, while all other SR variants drop in price by $80 owing to the change to PVC flooring.

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Drive Comments

DJM61 | 21 Sep 2017 08:22

The top seller gets better.

Bcgardener | 22 Sep 2017 01:19

Why is it that the top Hilux 2.8 SR5 model sells in Australia for over $58,000 yet the almost identical model in Thailand where the cars are manufactured sells for $44,000 even though local Thai vehicle taxes are higher than Australia and , last time I checked, the average RORO cost paid by vehicle manufacturers was about $500 or so to shipp the car from Thailand to Australia.
Yet again the car manufacturers rip us off and still continue to lobby hard against grey imports.